What Is A Rotomolded Kayak?

Rotomolded kayaks, also known as plastic or polyethylene kayaks, have been around since the 1970s. They are a type of hardshell kayak made using the rotational molding process, which involves heating plastic resin. The first rotomolded polyethylene kayaks were introduced in the 1970s, and to create a hull, plastic pellets are poured into a hollow metal mold that is heated and rotated in a massive oven.

There are two main differences in material: rotomolded and thermoformed. Rotomolded kayaks are made out of plastic, while thermoformed kayaks are made from cross-linked poly molecules. Thermoformed construction is usually comparable to fiberglass in weight and is made from a powdery resin placed into a mold, heated until the resin melts. The molten resin is then allowed to cool and harden.

Overall, rotomolded polyethylene is popular in smaller boats due to its stability and resistance to wear and tear. Abrasion is usually due to wear and tear, often located on the stems or ends of the boat and under the seat in kayaks.

Are old town kayaks rotomolded?

Old Town makes kayaks using rotomolded polyethylene, which is a type of plastic. Polyethylene makes for durable hulls that can take a beating on the water and hold up well to the test of time. However, with improper storage season after season, your plastic kayak may be susceptible to UV damage or hull warping.

How long do rotomolded kayaks last?

The stated maximum UV resistance lifespan of the high-density polyethylene used in our current production process is around 12 years; this is inclusive of many incremental developments we have made in conjunction with our suppliers over our 35+ years of rotomoulding experience to produce the optimal plastic alloy for canoe & kayak production and assumes average use as well as consistent and proper maintenance. This figure is also in relation to areas of low-UV concentration such as the UK and changes dramatically in areas of high-UV concentration such as Australia.

Pre-2004 generations of Capella were manufactured by a thirdparty, prior to Pyranha Mouldings Ltd.’s acquisition of P&H Sea Kayaks, andtherefore we cannot verify the exact alloy of polyethylene compounds or theirperformance with regards to UV resistance.

We are certain, however, that even using a conservativeestimation of UV resistance given the available polymer technology during thetime of production, at over 16 years old, these models will have long sinceseen a drastic reduction in structural integrity due to UV degradation.

Are lifetime kayaks rotomolded?

Are Lifetime kayaks rotomolded?. Lifetime kayaks are blow-molded in their Utah manufacturing facility, using high-density polyethylene (HDPE), which keeps their kayaks cheap.

How much do Lifetime kayaks weigh?. The weight of a Lifetime kayak depends on the model. Weights range from 40 lbs to over 100 lbs. Longer kayaks weigh more, as do sit-on-tops compared to sit-in kayaks, simply because they use more material. Polyethylene plastic—like that used in all Lifetime kayaks—is one of the heavier materials to build a kayak with; those looking for a lighter kayak should seek out thermoformed plastic or composite materialoptions.

Is rotomolded better?

Since rotomolded coolers are crafted in one hollow piece, they are durable and more resistant to cracking than other types of coolers. Compare this to coolers made through the injection-molding process; they are made in two pieces and then fit together with insulation.

When you’re looking to purchase a cooler, you’ll discover quickly the many different options available on the market today. Mostly, you’ll find different types of coolers based on their manufacturing processes. Rotomolding and injection molding are two such classifications.

Let’s first break down and define the term “rotomolded” as it relates to cooler design. We’ll then be able to distinguish what sets rotomolded coolers apart from the rest. Then, you’ll be fully prepared for the best camping, hiking, fishing, little league, soccer games, grilling, and every other outdoor adventure your life throws your way.

The term rotomolded refers to a specific type of plastic container that is molded using an injection molding process. Injection molding involves injecting molten plastic into a mold that has been prepared for this purpose. The plastic coolers discussed in this article are all rotomolded, which means they are made from high-quality polyethylene plastic.

What does rotomolded kayak mean?

Rotomolding is a short way of saying rotational molding, which is just a mold that gets rotated during the cookingprocesswhile Polyethylene is a type of plastic, the most common to be exact. Companies, like Hobie and Old Town, use rotomolding because the process allows them to make long, hallow shapes – like hulls.

The process in it’s simplest form goes something like this:

This is arguably the most important part of the process as the mold is what shapes the hull and holds value.

What is a Rotomold kayak?

Rotomolded Polyethylene in plain English means that the kayak or boat is made out of plastic.

A lot of people ask us what the kayaks and boats are made out of that we sell. Which is an understandable thing to ask,I’d want to know what I’m buying as well. Most of our kayaks and boats havea rotomolded polyethylene hull construction. Which I know means zilch to a lot of people – hey, it’s okay,it took me a while to fully understand it when I first started working at Fogh. Rotomolded Polyethylene inplain English means that the kayak or boat ismade out of plastic. Our boat builder Adam, a certified Composites Technician, gives us the low down onRotomolding & Rotomolded Polyethylene.

Now let’s break down the process of rotomolding so we all have a better understand of what the heck rotomolding and rotomolded polyethylene is.

Rotomolding is a short way of saying rotational molding, which is just a mold that gets rotated during the cookingprocesswhile Polyethylene is a type of plastic, the most common to be exact. Companies, like Hobie and Old Town, use rotomolding because the process allows them to make long, hallow shapes – like hulls.

What type of kayak is most stable?

If all other dimensions are equal, a sit-inside (open-cockpit) kayak is more stable than a sit-on-top kayak. In an open-cockpit kayak you’re sitting lower in the boat. Your center of gravity (aka rear-end) is at or near the level of the water. For example, when you’re sitting on the floor, unless you’ve had one too many margaritas, it’s hard to get knocked-over. But if you’re standing, anything unexpected can make you lose your balance. That’s because your center of gravity is higher.

These are sit-inside (open-cockpit) two person kayaks.

Many times kayak manufacturers will mitigate the higher center of gravity of a sit-on-top kayak by making it wider or by changing the bottom shape. However, both of these changes will affect the performance of the kayak. A wider kayak will be slower. And changing the bottom shape will make a larger surface area which makes it less efficient to paddle. And the added plastic adds to the weight of the boat as well.

Can you repair a rotomolded kayak?

It is possible to mechanically attach a patch to your hull. Cosmetically, it won’t look as nice but it can make your boat serviceable again. The process involves riveting a patch in place.

What is the most stable type of kayak?

If all other dimensions are equal, a sit-inside (open-cockpit) kayak is more stable than a sit-on-top kayak. In an open-cockpit kayak you’re sitting lower in the boat. Your center of gravity (aka rear-end) is at or near the level of the water. For example, when you’re sitting on the floor, unless you’ve had one too many margaritas, it’s hard to get knocked-over. But if you’re standing, anything unexpected can make you lose your balance. That’s because your center of gravity is higher.

These are sit-inside (open-cockpit) two person kayaks.

Many times kayak manufacturers will mitigate the higher center of gravity of a sit-on-top kayak by making it wider or by changing the bottom shape. However, both of these changes will affect the performance of the kayak. A wider kayak will be slower. And changing the bottom shape will make a larger surface area which makes it less efficient to paddle. And the added plastic adds to the weight of the boat as well.

Are roto molded kayaks better?

Conclusion. Blow molding has many benefits over rotomolding. It is faster, easier to automate, and results in a higher-quality product. If you are looking for a manufacturing process that will produce a top-quality kayak, blow molding is the way to go.

However, if you are on a tight budget, rotomolding may be the better option for you. Whatever you decide, make sure to weigh the pros and cons of each manufacturing process before making your final decision. Hope this helped!

What is a roto molded boat?

Overall, rotomolded polyethylene is popular in smaller boats, generally because it makes a stable material that can take a beating, and the whole rotomolding process is excellent for mass producing, thanks to the use of molds. Generally, you’ll find rotomolded polyethylene in smaller vessels like kayaks and sailboats.